» Robonaut (video)

Robonaut is a humanoid robot designed by the Robot Systems Technology Branch at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The Robonaut project seeks to develop and wpnstrate a robotic system that can function as an EVA astronaut equivalent. Robonaut jumps generations ahead by eliminating the robotic scars (e.g., special robotic grapples and targets) and specialized robotic tools of traditional on-orbit robotics. However, it still keeps the human operator in the control loop through its telepresence control system. Robonaut is designed to be used for “EVA” tasks, i.e., those which were not specifically designed for robots. TRACLabs Inc. researchers were involved in the design of Robonaut’s manipulators, hands, vision system and automation control software.

» The Centaur (video)

Centaur sports the upper body and torso of Robonaut paired with a four-wheel base for mobility in outdoor environments. The Centaur four-wheeled platform was designed for rough terrain. Its knobby tires and built-in work space allow for exploration, sample gathering, and astronaut assistance. TRACLabs Inc. researchers wrote automation software for Centaur navigation, vision and manipulation capabilities.

» The Chariot

Currently being built at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the Chariot is a concept model for a future lunar truck. The vehicle gives us a glimpse of what future transportation might be like for astronauts exploring the moon. TRACLabs Inc. researchers are involved in the design of Chariot’s sensors and our robotic technology is being employed all over current Chariot prototypes.

» GRACE: A Robot With People Skills (video)

GRACE (Graduate Robot Attending a ConferencE) was built by a team from Carnegie Mellon University, the Naval Research Laboratory and TRACLabs. Her panning platform has a screen showing an emotionally expressive face and her sensors (including touch sensors and a scanning laser rangefinder) help her move through crowded environments, . She speaks through high-quality synthesized speech and can understand others using speech recognition software. During a 2002 conference, GRACE started at the front door of the venue, found the elevator (by asking other participants) and made her way to the registration area. GRACE then tried to find the end of the line, finally elbowing the last person out of the way (we’re not sure if it was because she was unable to tell if the person was in fact in line, or if she was just impatient!). GRACE then waited patiently and registered successfully. TRACLabs Inc. supplied the pan-tilt head for GRACE so that she could see with her vision system. This pan-tilt head is available for purchase from TRACLabs Inc.

» The K10 Series

There are two K10 series robots at NASA Ames Research Center, each of which weigh about 165 pounds, that navigate with GPS (Global Positioning System), stereo cameras and sun trackers. They also track terrain with 3D laser scanners, which can map topographic features 3,280 feet away, and ground-sensing radar that can graph terrain 16.4 feet under the surface. These robots have participated in a variety of field tests to explore technologies for eventual Lunar application. These field tests have been in locations such as Houghten Crater near the Arctic circle and Meteor Crater in Arizona to simulate Lunar conditions. TRACLabs Inc. researchers are developing software that allows engineers to remotely monitor the K10 robot’s internal vital signs and their task performance. TRACLabs Inc. participates as a member of the K10 field team and is currently building a next generation manipulator for K10.